Dr. Walter “Jay” Czarnec

Dr. Walter “Jay” Czarnec, of Holliston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022 after a heart breaking battle with Dementia. He was 85 years old.

Born in Manchester, NH on October 6, 1937, to Irene and Jacob Czarnecki, Jay was one of 13 children.   After graduating high school, Jay proudly continued his love of learning, by supporting himself through many years of schooling. Jay was extremely passionate about education. He attended St. Anselm College for his Freshman year before transferring to Keene State College in 1957.  In 1960 he graduated from Keene State with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Next Jay attended the University of New Hampshire where, in 1964, he earned a master’s degree in Mathematics. He then continued his education, earning a Doctor of Mathematics from the University of Georgia, where he went on to student teach before landing his forever job.

In 1971, Jay moved his family to Holliston Massachusetts. There he began his career as a tenured college Professor at Framingham State College, where he eventually retired from after 53 years of teaching. While at Framingham State, Jay held several positions, including Chair of the Math Department and Dean of Graduate, Continuing Education, and ultimately Professor Emeritus.

Jay was an avid runner, completing the Boston Marathon three times and continuing to run regularly for many years. More recently, he had developed a love of yoga and enjoyed walking daily to maintain his health.

While Jay had an impressive career, he was most proud of his family. He was a dedicated father who worked tirelessly to provide for his 3 children, never missing a sporting event, a prom, or an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. Jay cherished any time with his children but especially loved their annual family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard. It became a special place for him and his family, and he looked forward to being there together every summer.

Jay is survived by his son Jake and wife Katie Czarnec, daughter Amanda Cullen Hatalyk and her husband Peter, and daughter Ryann Czarnec and husband Brian Konish. He also leaves 6 grandchildren, whom he adored endlessly: Madeleine Haines (26), Katie Cullen (17), Macy Cullen (15), Marek Konish (12), Carys Konish (8), and Vaughn Konish (4).

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring at Framingham State University. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, we would ask for donations to be made to a scholarship fund being created in Jay’s name. Details for both the memorial and the scholarship will be made available soon. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Bridges by Epoch in Hingham, and at Ascend Hospice for their support and care.